BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Police arrived in Pickering Square in downtown Bangor to find the body of a sixty-five year old man. The investigation, so far, shows no sign of foul play, but it still has residents and business owners questioning the safety of downtown.
Sergeant Paul Edwards with the Bangor Police Department said he is not surprised some people are suspicious of the death. "It looks odd to see a person that is deceased lying in the middle of Pickering Square...and no one around."
According to police, officers arrived on the scene around 1:15 this morning. Emergency responders attempted CPR, but were unsuccessful.
Some local business owners and residents have been concerned about the Pickering Square area and bus terminal.
Robert Gilgan, owner of Bella Hair Salon, said he and his employees sometimes worry about their safety when walking through the square to the parking garage.
"The only problem we have with downtown is the lighting in the back of the building. Between here and the parking garage I think if they had more lighting people would use the parking garage more and would feel a lot more safe," said Gilgan.
The Bangor Police Department has added foot patrol officers around downtown in an effort to put a stop to disturbances. Sergeant Edwards said this will help the police connect with residents and business owners.
Two business owners did choose to plead the fifth when asked what they think about downtown safety; stating they were worried about the possible backlash from downtown organizations.
We spoke with President of the Downtown Bangor Partnership, George Kinghorn, he said they are working closely with city officials and police to ensure safety in and around downtown.